Useful Information

Airlines

The three major airlines in China are Air China (CA), China Eastern (MU) and China Southern (CZ). Other smaller airlines include Shanghai Airlines (FM), Hainan Airlines (HU), etc.

Climate

Varies greatly from one season and city to another. Generally hot in summer and cold and try in winter in northern China. In southern China south of the Yangtze River it is hotter in summer and warmer with higher humidity in winter

Clothing

Appropriate and comfortable light ones in summer and warm ones in winter with walking shoes. For special activities such as Beijing Duck Dinner, Tang Dynasty Dinner Show, etc, smart casual will be fine.

Communications

All hotels selected by China Holiday Tours Ltd. have IDD phone in room and Internet outlets either in room or business centre. In addition, all hotels have fax facility. All cities have Internet bars.

Credit Cards

Major ones are accepted and imprinted as guarantee for incidental expenses in all hotels selected by China Holiday Tours Ltd. and designated big shops. Traveler’s checks are the safest way to take money

Currency

Known as Renminbi (RMB) and standard unit is Yuan. Exchange rate is roughly at US$1 = RMB7.2; CA$1 = RMB7.2; AU$1 = RMB6.4; GB￡1 = RMB14.3; EUR1 = RMB10.7

Electricity

220 volts and AC 50 cycles. A set of adapter plugs will be useful.

Health

Adequate medical insurance is essential. Please consult with your doctors for trip to Tibet. No vaccinations are required except for yellow fever if you are coming from an area where the disease is present.

Hotel Facilities

Almost all hotels selected by China Holiday Tours have facilities such as broad band, electric hair-dryer, electric iron; ironing-board and safety box in hotel room.

Tipping

For good services is widely accepted and always appreciated. It becomes more and more one of the guide’s main income.

Visas

All foreign passport holders must obtain a visa and have a valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond their stay in China. Those who visit both the mainland of China and Hong Kong and/or Macau and want to come back to the mainland for 2nd visit need multiple visa

Water

Always drink bottled mineral water that is always cheaper outside your hotel. Some hotels do provide one bottle per person complimentarily

Miscellaneous

Checklist of items for Yunnan & Tibet by SUV includes: Sun-glasses, Sun block SPF 30+, lip balm, snacks such as granola bar, nuts, dried fruit, small amount of shampoo & liquid soap, Kleenex, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, pain reliever, anti-diarrhea medicine.